Balete tree (also known as balite or baliti) are several species of the trees in the Philippines from the genus Ficus that are broadly referred to as balete in the local language. A number of these are known as strangler figs wherein they start upon other trees, later entrapping them entirely and finally killing the host tree. Also called hemiepiphytes, initially, they start as epiphytes or air plants and grow several hanging roots that eventually touch the ground and from then on, encircling and suffocating the host tree. Some of the baletes produce an inferior quality of rubber. The India rubber plant, F. elastica were earlier cultivated to some extent for rubber. Some of the species like tangisang-bayawak or Ficus variegata are large and could probably be utilized for match woods. The woods of species of Ficus are soft, light, and of inferior quality, and the trees usually have ill-formed, short boles.[1]

Baletes are planted as graceful trees along avenues in Manila and other large cities in the Philippines, and they are also excellent as shade trees.[4] Several species of the tree are also use for bonsai making in the country.[17][18]

Baletes are used as houseplants;[19] however, it is a source of indoor household allergens which may cause respiratory allergy.[9]

In some areas of the country, some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings like kapre or tikbalang. In some places, sorcery rituals are known performed inside the chambers formed by the tree.[20] Also among others, some superstitious folks suggest not bringing in balete as decorative plants inside a house as they allegedly invite ghosts.[9]

Balete Drive in New Manila, Quezon City, named after a gargantuan balete tree that used to stand in the middle of the street, is allegedly one of the most haunted places in the city. The tale of a white lady appears at night hailing cars that drive by have been circulated since the 1950s.[21]

A balete tree locally called "Millenium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Auroraprovince in the Philippines is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about 600+ years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. It is possible for adult people to squeeze into the center of its root network.[24]

A 400-year old balete tree in Barangay Campalanas in the town of Lazi, in Siquijorprovince is believed to be the oldest and the biggest in the province. What is also unusual about this tree is the spring that emanates from the base of the tree and flows straight into a man-made pool.[25]

The massive balete tree in Maria Aurora town, in Aurora province, is about as tall as a 15-story building and at its base is as wide as a three- or four-bedroom house. Tourists visit it by the busload, drawn by a simple superlative: It is known as the ...

... the landslide happened amidst heavy rain in the region. All of the water from the mountain beside the main road going to Vigan went down including some boulders. A balete tree was also toppled and dragged to the road. — Joel Locsin/TJD/NB, GMA News.

All of the water from the mountain beside the main road going to Vigan went down including some boulders. A balete tree was also toppled and dragged to the road. Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways have already started the ...

The story of the Balete tree is not entirely a new one but Direk Rember Gelera strived to give this story a different look. For one thing, it is set in Laguna -- one of the most mystical provinces in the country. Balete tells the story of a tree in ...

The balete tree is said to date as far back as the 1800s. It has been an imposing figure in front of the Palace state entrance where incoming and outgoing Presidents pass through. “Mr. Brown” is said to be living in the tree since the American occupation.

MALASIQUI, PANGASINAN, Philippines ? Strange stories have been woven around ?balete? trees, and the centuries-old balete tree on the highway that crosses Canan Norte village is no exception. ?It has been there since I was a child. Our grandparents ...

Feeling outdoorsy but can't leave behind the comforts of home—like a proper bathroom? Plan a “glamping” trip to Baler in Aurora, where you can commune with nature without sacrificing convenience. While Baler is more known as one of the country's top ...

Standing close to a balete tree in the middle of nowhere sends shivers down my spine. As I crept through the house's secret dungeon and glanced at my first supernatural encounter with a creature in the game, my Filipino instinct of freezing in place ...

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